2024 Cyril Connell Cup season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U17s boys season
The Cyril Connell Cup serves as the first major rep experience for the most talented under-17s boys in the state. We preview all clubs ahead of the new season.
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The Cyril Connell Cup brings together the state’s elite under-17s boys for their first major rep competition.
Named after former Queensland and Australian halfback and Broncos recruitment ace Cyril Connell, it serves as the key pathway to the under-19s Meninga Cup as the young men chase their dreams.
Check back regularly as we progressively roll out our season preview of all clubs competing in this year’s Cyril Connell Cup. Today we feature the Norths Devils.
Jump to: Norths Devils |Redcliffe Dolphins | Northern Pride | Mackay Cutters| Ipswich Jets | Sunshine Coast | Western Clydesdales |Wide Bay | Central Qld Capras |Tweed Seagulls | Wynnum Manly | Burleigh Bears | Souths Logan
NORTHS DEVILS
Captain: Keyarn Pene
Coach: Shayne Boyd
Last season: 11th (2-4)
Competitive Edge: A patient approach to attach, in which players recognise they don’t have to score off every play and show poise as a team.
Boyd said a key to success was putting “old heads on young shoulders and grinding out wins”, with a strong focus on defence.
Key Fixture: Round 2 v Wynnum
The Seagulls have a strong pathways system and are traditionally a tough side to crack.
Their affiliation with the Broncos will make this an even more exciting match-up.
Players to watch
Front-rower Lincoln Dalton is blessed with a high IQ and is a creative playmaker.
Prop Dyer Akauola and back-rower Taoso Taoso are both absolute behemoths on both sides of the footy, and will be key pillars on which Norths will build their success.
Squad: Courtez Kirkpatrick, Olli Paterson, James Grey, Ethan Grinshaw, George Joseph, Keyarn Pene, Timahna Tandy, Dyer Akauola, Flynn Dalton, Aleki Schuster, Hayden Polsen, Jarah Chaseling, Lincoln Dalton, Ryan Lopez, Angus Tagicakibau, Ryan Johnson, Montgomery Betham, Lincoln Manual, Devante Andrews, Eden Tokuma, Jai Pason, Kanon Phillips, Tai Kapaith, Romarion Tuitama, Hayden Smith, HarryBate, Oscar Vukovick, Riley O’regan, Taoso Taoso, Damon Humphreys, Isaac Rauluni.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
The Redcliffe Dolphins will again be bristling with talent when the Cyril Connell Cup under-77s boys competition starts on February 10.
Named after former Queensland and Australian halfback and Broncos recruitment ace Cyril Connell, it serves as the key pathway to the U19s Meninga Cup as the young men chase their dreams.
Check back regularly as we progressively roll out our season preview of all clubs competing in this year’s Cyril Connell Cup. Today we feature Brisbane Tigers.
Captain: TBA
Coach: Larry Dickson
Last season: 1st (6-0)
Why they will be competitive: The key for us to being competitive in this competition is to keep turning up and working hard for each other and try and stay as injury free as possible,’’ said coach Larry Dickson.
Key fixture: Without getting too far ahead of ourselves, the two away games against Gold Coast teams Burleigh Bears (Game No.2) and Tweed Seagulls (Game No.4) will be challenging given they are down the M1 against teams which have built up nicely during the off-season.
Players to watch:Carter Welfare, originally a Yeppoon talent identified by the Dolphins recruitment team, will play five-eight while exciting local fullback Mereki Warradoo will aim to advance his game.
Brian Pouniu, an exciting age group talent, will play on the edge as a second rower or centre, while Duquan Tevi will be a tough defender on the edge and a strong runner.
Final squad: Tylah Akai, Dustin Appo, Marley Baker, Nate Berrigan, Shannon Bishop, Braedyn Bonanno, Bradley Bond, Jake Carsburg, Kaden Civoniceva, Cohen Cochran, Kaiden Cooper, Charlie Dickson, Bailey Dinham, Sonny Herdegen, Noah Fien, Dean Giffin, Jarius Halahla, Logan Hudson, Lincoln Kemp, Archie Maddocks, Benson Masoe, Archie Merritz, Dural Peterson-Walford, Brian Pouniu, Jahzius Schuster-Oloapu, Henry Sologinkin, Cody Starr, Duquan Tevi, Taufa Taulani, Ryan Tronc, Mereki Warradoo, Jett Walker, Carter Welfare, William Whitlock, Amare Wynyard.
NORTHERN PRIDE
Captaincy contenders: Ben Walker and Cayde Miller
Coach: Kris O’Farrell
Last season: 15th (0-6)
Why they will be competitive: There has been a professional attitude all pre-season, a desire to dig in for one another and work towards a collective goal. When we start to believe we belong, we will win games.
Key fixture: Every fixture is important to the club and will be viewed as a grand final. O’Farrell and the club want this team to be competitive in all six games of the regular season, and want to be winning for the region.
Players to watch: Jason Hastie, Cayde Miller and Ben Walker.
The trio are absolutely crucial to the Pride’s go-forward, and with their previous experience in the statewide competition - and strong work ethic - are brilliant leaders.
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Braith Clubb, D’Wan Walker
Outside backs (centres/wingers): Floyd Sakail, Leslie Fatafehi, Elsiyah Laumata, Harmon Benioni, Kaelen Callaghan, Sam Jonsen
Halves: D’Artanyan Connolly, Lucas Russell, Elsiyah Laumata, Chris Brown
Hookers: Ben Walker, Miki Torqueri, Jackson Clark, Ryan Millard
Edge forwards: Riley Wells, Cooper Meares, Jack Turner, Jaxson Rayson
Middle forwards: Jason Hastie, Sipi Sipi, Cayde Miller, Cody Robson, Raysa Shroj, Tyler Shroj, Jake Russo, Cody Weldon
MACKAY CUTTERS
Captain: To be determined
Last season: “From talking to the coach from last season the team went well,” said this season’s Cutters under-17 coach Dave Peters.
“They started off a little slow and finished strong. As the Cyril Connell Cup has changed its age group from 16’s to 17’s this year, a lot of the players from last year’s squad are returning this year.”
Why they will be competitive: “The whole 35-man squad is very talented and very coachable,” Peters said.
“We have a very mobile forward pack with a lot of depth, so I think that this will make us very competitive.”
Key fixtures: “Every game in this northern division has a bit of rivalry to it,” Peters began.
“The Capras is always a bit of a grudge match, and it is a game that all the players and staff look forward to.
“Blackhawks who are now affiliated with South Sydney are usually the benchmark and the one everyone wants to beat, so that’s always a tough game.
“The Pride game will mean a little more this year as they along with us the Cutters are now the Cowboy’s only affiliated clubs.”
Players to watch: Middle forward Cohen Jackson is one that excites Peters, he cited his running, tackling, and leadership as his strengths.
“Jack Townsend is another middle forward that likes to be everywhere, and he is super fit, the boys really like being around him,” Peters added
“Reuben Saron is an outside back that has fantastic feet who has trained really well in the pre-season and has really impressed the coaches.”
Final squad:
Fullbacks: Adam McSherry, Hamish Donohoe, Jake Peters.
Outside backs: JT Brice, Shakhan Karehana, Toby Woodall, Norman Campbell, Reuben Saron, Deegan Hayles, Kaden Muscat, Jake Hinton
Hookers and halves: Flynn Battaia, Adam McSherry, Jake Peters, Brody Moore, Kooper Shears, Josh Toby, Cooper Deguara, Hudson Clark, Ryan John.
Edge forwards: Mark Morrow, Lachlan Starr, Justis Costigan, Lachlan Whippy,
Jarred Giumelli, Declan Grady.
Middle forwards: Cohen Jackson, Isaak Mezzen, George Gofton, Isaiah Wilson, Jack Townsend, Stephen Sandow.
IPSWICH JETS CONNELL CUP
Captain: Cooper Cracknell
Coach: Jye Tuaimau-Gadsdon
Last season: Missed the finals
Why they will be competitive: The Jets are bound to be competitive. A narrow trial-game loss against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with six of their starting players suggests they will be competitive in their pool, which only one team can come out of.
From 45 players attending trials in 2021 to over 110 in 2024, the Jets have no shortage of talent pouring in from their local junior competitions which features teams like the Bears, Eagles, Bombers, and of course Brothers.
Key Fixture: The Sunshine Coast Falcons in round 1 of the season on Saturday, February 17.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Finn Kendall and Tyson Walker
Watch for these Year 11 Ipswich Grammar School talents to have an impact for Ipswich.
Walker, who plays fullback but can move into the halves, is a Roosters signee who we believe will be far better than last year following a season playing GPS First XV rugby and Queensland Reds under-16s.
Kendall, a Broncos signed centre, also played GPS First XV rugby and will be full of confidence.
With Walker a play ahead at fullback and Kendall breaking tackles in the centres, the Jets should not have trouble scoring points.
Xzavier Timoteo
Rampaging prop Xzavier Timoteo is one of the last people you want to try tackle.
An Ipswich SHS senior, Timoteo will be an elite Langer Trophy forward this year and is sure to bust some tackles with his ferocious ball-carrying.
He is signed by the Bulldogs.
Ceasar Yeatman
A centre or fullback, Ceasar is the younger brother of Jarvis Yeatman who played in Ipswich SHS’s Langer Cup team in 2021. The Yarrabah flyer is an exciting outside back who possesses quick feet and a good draw and pass.
He’s an instinctive player who will make any opposite centre nervous.
He was exceptional for Ipswich SHS’s Year 10 team which won the De Vere Cup last year.
Myrangi Walker
An underaged halfback from New Zealand, Walker has been likened to NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga.
Watch for his step, playmaking ability and off-the-whim attack.
BLACK BOOK PLAYER YOU HAVEN’T HEARD ABOUT YET
Ioane Tiatia
Tiatia plays his local footy for the Redbank Plains Bears and has impressed in the off-season, which will see him take the No. 4 jersey in the centres alongside Kendall.
A Forest Lake SHS talent of Samoan heritage, the rangy Tiatia could play in both the centres and in the back row
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Captain: Jackson Koina
Coach: Tim Baldwin
Last season: 2nd (five wins, one loss)
Why they will be competitive: “We’ve got a really solid core nucleus of kids that obviously have talent and they’ve matured by having another year in our system. They’re progressing nicely, we wish we had a bit more time with them in the short season but I think if they play to their best and play to their abilities they’re definitely going to be competitive in our pool and then hopefully in the finals. We’ve lost some guys for various reasons but there’s about 12 or 13 players from last year’s squad and then there’s some new faces and a few bottom aged kids that have put their hands up,” Baldwin said.
Key fixture: Falcons were a force in the Cyril Connell competition last season but after losing some key players for the 2024 season it will be interesting to see how they respond in their opening matches. They play Ipswich at home in round one, a match-up that only had a two point difference in both fixtures last season with each side winning once.
Players to watch: “Our captain Jackson Koina is the alpha of our forward pack. A lot of the standards and expectations are set by him and make sure the boys around him uphold them. Tyson Fallon-May or ‘Chop’ is another guy in our leadership group and plays at hooker. He’s a player that can really turn a game just from his skill at hooker as well as his footy IQ. There’s some scouts that have seen some positive signs in his game so he’s definitely got something about him which keeps defenders on their toes. Toby Irvine is another one, when he wants to put his foot down and put his stamp on the game he has the ability to but he’s also still learning his role like the majority of the boys in our squad.”
The squad:
Fullbacks: Tyler Conquest
Wingers: Kalan Beattie, Khanye Pirere, Nate Donald
Centres: Ashyr Kelso, Jonathan Leuluai, Jordan Brown, Memphys Pirere, Nash Oliphant, Nate Thompson
Halves: Brady Hawkins, Cooper Lees, Lucas Bourke, Toby Irvine
Hookers: Brandyn Marks, Miller Thompson, Tyson Fallon-May
Second Row: Darcel Snowden, Keagan Zanchetta, Nathan Thomas, Taj Burke, Will Campbell, Zayde Carfantan
Locks: Jackson Koina, Jett Ryan
Front Row: Charlie Coates, Kai Harris, Kaio Moses, Lachlan Asi, Lincoln Payne, Nash Tollen, Oliver Kleijn
Western Clydesdales
Leadership group: Riley Zanette, Braithen Scott and Harry Robinson.
Coach: Ned Murphy
Last season: 9th (3-3)
Why they will be competitive: “We have had a really tough pre-season trained really hard,” coach Ned Murphy said.
“We have a similar group to last season and made big improvements in every area.”
Key fixture: While Murphy believes every game is of the utmost importance, he did stress it was pivotal to start strongly and with his side making the big trek to Bundaberg for their first game of the season, the Clydesdales will have to be at their best when they face the Wide Bay Bulls in round 2.
“It is really important to start the season well,” he said.
“We are not used to travelling like that so it will be a big test.”
Players to watch:
Riley Zanette: A second rower who had a strong pre-season. He is a big, fast and strong and will be a handful on the edge.
Kailan Roberts: He is a front rower who trained the house down this pre-season. Roberts is now bigger and fitter compared to last year and is ready to leave his mark on the competition.
Brodie Hilt: Hilt is a hooker who has improved immensely from last season and will be a key part of the Clydesdales’ spine.
The Squad
Fullback: Lachie McGrath.
Outside backs: Hayden Nicholson, Taj Singh, Joey Litadamu, Declan Reen, Jackson Winnett.
Halves: Harry Robinson, Braithen Scott.
Hookers: Sam Lowein, Brodie Hilt.
Front row: Braden Eisenmenger, Baracka Obwocha, Hunter Price, Kailan Roberts, Dusty Golding.
Second row: Riley Zanette, Lachie Lyons.
Lock/Utility: Ray O’Neil, Shaun Elara, Kolby Seymour, Mitch Wilkes.
WIDE BAY BULLS
Captain: Tyson Knight
Coach: Brett Carter
Last season: 14th (0 wins, six losses)
Why they will be competitive: Only 11 players from the 2023 under-16s squad will be backing up in 2024 which is an exciting breath of fresh air for the Bulls. Carter said the squad had been training twice a week since November and was excited for the challenge.
Key fixture: After going winless last season, the Bulls play their first three pool matches at home against the Clydesdales, Falcons and Jets who all recorded at least three wins last season. A true indication of their season aims and success may rest on the result of their round one matchup against the Clydesdales.
Players to watch: “I think there’s a few, especially with the majority being fresh faces but Harrison Braithwaite will play in our halves and he’s a talented footballer that will steer our boys around the park. Eli Bunn and Ryan Jenkins are two more that have been really positive and impressive in the pre-season. They’ll both bring good qualities and strength to our side,” said coach Carter.
The squad: Blake Thistle, Pearce Parsons, Zac Blanch, Lucas Blair, Lachlan Campbell, Billy Thomas, Riley Davina, Caleb Berthelsen, Tyson Knight, Seb King, Caleb Castle, Brody Lake, Ryan Chartens, Tito Bligh, Charlie Roberts, Ryan Jenkins, Eli Bunn, Zac Cooper, Jesse-Joel Hunt, Alex Vine, Harrison Braithwaite, Jacob Baker, Locklyn Morgan, Rowan Gordon and Joey Smith.
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Leadership group: Sitiveni Afu, Diesel Taylor and Cooper Cox
Coach: Nathan Norford
Last season: 1st in Northern Pool (5-1 record)
Why they will be competitive: “Having them two years in a row you can see the development in each kid,” coach Nathan Norford said.
“Their understanding of football has developed along that time. We’ve got a good mix of hard-working forwards and some quality outside backs that will give us a little bit of edge as well.”
Key fixture: “Round 1 against the big dogs, the Capras. Straight up we get to challenge ourselves against the best and they are the team to beat in this age group for the last few years,” Norford said.
Players to watch:
Cohen Dittmann: Strong, quick, powerful centre or fullback prospect who represented Queensland in the under-15s in 2022 and Kirwan SHS in the 2023 Aaron Payne Cup. A member of the famous bucking bulls’ family from Mackay, Dittmann will be hard to handle in attack and defence.
Sitiveni Afu: A hard-working core forward who brings energy with everything he does. Afu was among the youngest players in the Aaron Payne Cup last season playing for Ignatius Park College.
Cooper Cox: On the smaller side as a hooker but is arguably the No.1 hitter in the team. Cox loves to tackle and never shies away from the contact.
Final Squad:
Fullbacks: Riley Carbone, Lincoln Baker
Outside backs: Heath Bethel, Immanuel Kawane, Cohen Dittmann, Dylan Gourley, Riley McIntyre, Kye Connell, Kees Anderson
Halves: Marley Proctor, Ryan Van Zanden, Nayte Essery, Chayse Sheppard
Hookers: Cooper Cox, Cooper Reinders, Tonuia Tonuia
Middle forwards: Quentin Ofahulu, Dane Ransom, Sitiveni Afu, Cooper Fletcher, Diesel Taylor, Mitch Hardy, Joe Briskey, Jayden Ryan, Ryder Soper, Matthew Belyea
Edge forwards:Eneliko Savelio, Zane Bethel, Taakoi Benioni, Suafai Tama Reupeia
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CAPRAS
Captain: Tyler Melrose
Coach: Duane Carpenter
Last season: 4th (four wins, two losses)
Why they will be competitive: “Very strong across the whole squad, with a good mix of size, power, skill and speed,” said coach Duane Carpenter.
“The players have had a great pre-season, and are very eager to get out on the field, get through our next two trial games and start building momentum for our Round 1 clash at home.”
Key fixture: Round 1 against the Townsville Blackhawks. The top two teams in the northern pool from the 2023 season, this will set the standard for the level of competition expected this season.
Players to watch:
Henry Kallquist: Tall, rangy front rower who has been a standout performer in the pre-season. He has worked very hard on improving his game and work rate and has been setting the standard for the other middle forwards in the squad.
Tyler Melrose: Very talented and slick playmaker from St Brendan’s College who has an impressive running and kicking game that will keep opposition on their toes. A good organiser who has great vision and game sense for a player at this age.
Jake Oberhardt: In his third year of Cyril Connell, Emerald-born Oberhardt is a very tough and competitive lock/middle forward who loves nothing more than to dominate the middle third of the field. Brutal in defence with good leg speed and footwork in attack, he is shaping up for a great 2024 season.
The squad:
Fullback: Harley Biles, Hayden Baker
Wing: Chase Everingham, Phillip Yock, Caleb Hare, Leo Fanuatanu
Centre: Elijah McKay, Harrison Meilland, Zak Jenkyn, Mason Broadhurst, Gideon Prior
Half: Chayce Bayles, Tyler Melrose, Will McLaughlin, Michael Busby
Hooker: Jay Marsh, Lathan McMeeken
Second row: Zac Bateman, Sam Adams, Tamati Matheson, Marcus Tipman, Harvey Mahoney, Epafelasi Noa
Middle: Henry Kallquist, Cooper Young, Cooper Taylor, Parker Gallagher, Jaiden Savage, Jake Oberhardt, Jake Symes, Lachlan Anderson, Harrison Hill, Tjaart Van Der Walt, Alekisio Siale
TWEED SEAGULLS
Captain - TBA
Coach - Neil Richards
Last Year - 2023 was a very disappointing year and a steep learning curve for many of the players who had excelled at club level but were yet to experience representative football at a state level.
This year - With only 11 of last year’s 30-man U16s squad being selected this u17s squad has a very new look. A good mix of experienced 17-year-olds who will feature in the competition for a second year running along with some talented 16-year-olds from the local competition and signings from local NRL clubs provides us with a lot of depth across the park.
3 Players to watch: Taj Lateo (Halves) is calm and collected won the club’s best & fairest award last year and will steer the team around the field again in 2024. With a great kicking game and cool head Taj will be a key element to any success. Ethan Jackson (Prop) is polite, quite spoken and hard working off the field. He is the type who rolls up his sleeves and does the tough stuff that nobody else wants to do. Highly underrated. Jyah White (Lock/Utility) is a talented ball playing lock from Helensvale whose vision, football knowledge and outstanding passing game sets him apart from other players of his age.
BRISBANE TIGERS
Captain: Max Blanch
Coach: Farren Mahoney
Last season: 10th (2-1-3)
Why they will be competitive: “The key to being competitive will be starting the season strongly and playing consistently every week,’’ said coach Farren Hahoney.
Key fixture: Game No.1 against the imposing Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval. The Tigers won’t have to wait long to test themselves against the best. The Dolphins were last year’s unofficial premiers and will be laying in wait.
Players to watch: Hooker and captain Max Blanch will get his hands on the ball first at dummy half, bringing his forwards, including the towering Kobi Floro, onto the ball.
A country kid, Blanch will look to combine nicely with his halfback Elijah Breen who did a good job last season, while an attacking spark for the Tigers could come from fullback/utility Donte Tahuhu-Wilson. Also watch for Jahzayis Perenara to impact matches at centre.
Final squad: Cooper Benvenuti, Cooper Greenhill, Cooper McInnerney, Dominic Ierome, Elijah Breen, Grayson Wharakura, Jacol Barney, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu, Jeremiah Atoa, Jerome MacDonald, Junior Latu, Kaea Taunoa, Kayzon Key, Keoki Koraba, Kobi Floro, Luke Thornton, Matthew Morris, Max Blanch, Nikorima Wharakura, Ryder Koia, Siosaia Poese, Trent Picot, Vaughn Pahiva, Harrison Vea, VJ Vialau, Zephanaiah Takitaki, Hone Matiu Skinner, Samu Normani, Julius Matiseni, Edward Kara.
WYNNUM MANLY
Captain: Wynnum have selected Tyler Pereira and Jared Horne to co-captain the side.
Coach: Blake Trace
Last Season: 6th
Why they will be competitive: Sixth place isn’t where Wynnum want to stay in 2024. Coach Blake Tracey said the culture and attitude brought to preseason will make a difference on the field.
“This year the boys have really bought into the culture we are driving as a club,” he said,.
“We have put an emphasis around a team first mentality and they have been working hard to grow and develop as a squad.”
Key fixture: Tracey is yet to put down one match as their most important, knowing there is no room for error with such a short season.
“Every game is different but it’s important to start the season well.
“It’s a short competition so every game counts.”
Players to watch: “We try not to focus on one specific player because each player brings something different and it will take everyone’s contribution to perform well,” Tracey said. However, it is clear that Jared Horne and Chaev Kolone are natural leaders.
“They both lead by example and demonstrate real grit through the ruck while Tyler Pereira, Major Peechey, Taylon Toa, Tevita Bryeton and Dean Tauaa have unique skill sets and can break open a game when it matters.”
Final squad: There is one more week of train and trials before Wynnum announce their final squad. Here are the names picked so far:
Fullback: David Bryeton, Nate Wallin
Wing: Devine Timu, Tristian MacDonald, Antonio Kusitino, Adam Wilson
Centre: Dean Tauaa, Tawa Dean Simpkins, Madden Falaniko, Riley Baker
Five-Eighth: Tyler Pereira, Bailen Noy
Half Back: Jordan Horate, Grady Payne
Front-Row: Frank Howarth, Chaev Kolone, Cooper Young, Franck Iraguha, Siamone Maama, Braddick Taylor, Agapetos Lote-Felo, Christian Rivers
Hooker: Ezekiel Jones, Lachie Hooker, Taylan Toaa, Atunaisa Veetutu, Storm Enoka, Harrison Bath
Back-Row: Majah Peechey, Josiah Lo
Lock: Jared Horne, Marino Romene, Tamai Baker, Koby McGarrity
BURLEIGH BEARS
Captain: N/A
Coach: Ryan Gundry
We will be competitive because we have the nucleus of last years squad in key positions and have added depth to our overall squad. The returning players are a year advanced in our systems core values.
Key games: will be round 1 and 2
South Logan
Redcliffe.
In a short season a good start is paramount to build confidence amongst the playing group.
Both teams have NRL affiliation and will be strong 1-17.
Players to watch.
Dallas Ingram – halfback
Missed last 18 months of footy due to injury and he is back at full fitness and ready to catch up on the time lost. Great organising skills and brings other strike players into the game around him.
Seth Gundry – Fullback
Speed to burn.
Has been working really hard in the gym and I am looking forward to seeing that transfer onto the field. His relationship with Dallas excites me as they work well together.
Marley Igason – Middle
Huge work ethic who has grown physically in the off-season also. Was the glue to our forward pack last year and am looking forward to seeing him take that to another level this year.
Fullbacks: Seth Gundry, Isaac Cullen, Kingston Seve.
Outside backs: Hudson Pratt, Ryder Abell, Israel Lotaki, Levi Handyside, Linc Burt, Cooper Larman, Riley partridge.
Halves: Dallas Ingram, Marley McLaren, Daniel Rakena, Zac Murphy, Cody McConnell, Caleb Creswell
Hookers: Hayden Watson, Cooper Murphy, Jax Damro, Shadi Chami
Back rowers: Te Ira, Treleque Boyce, Killarney Lavendar, Malakia Mosati, Kendrix Marsh, Luke Jones
Locks front rowers: Marley Igason, Poey Francis, Rueban Dickson, Zeph Tatika, Cruz Tafigiau, Kalan Boss, Gab Salea, Levi Rusin
SOUTHS LOGAN
Captain: TBC
Coach: Lincoln McLeod
Last season: 6th (3-2-1)
Why they could be competitive: “Consistency towards application and execution of our processes and principles will be the key,’’ explained coach McLeod.
Key fixture: Game No.1 against Burleigh Bears. Having spent weeks in sweatbox conditions training inland from the Coast, nothing would spur the squad on more than a round 1 win against a quality Bears side.
Players to watch: There is no shortage of talent in this squad as you would expect from a club tapping into the rugby league riches of Logan City, Brisbane’s south and south-west.
Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke and Benson Tau give the Magpies some outside back and fullback thrust, the tall Dahnte Te Whiu-Hopa will be looking to continue to advance his career in the middle while Emmanuel Asomua is a safe beat to lay a platform from prop.
Tom Parker adds nice depth to the outside backs as well while Fa’apale Feaunati is another young forward looking to build on a promising junior career.
Final squad: Adaquix-Jeremiah Watts-Luke, Alize Clarke, Benson Tau, Bostyn Taufoou, Brandon Lemalu, Cain Eggerling, Carlos Bagon, Dahnte Te Whiu-Hopa, Emmanuel Asomua, Fa’apale Feaunati, Fatumalosi Nelu, Frontier Wiperi-Maiava, Fuifui Taito, Jahrel Conlon-Stephan, Jonah Huni, Jose Ito, Tyson MacDonald, Joseph Tupuse, Justus Lowndes, Lewis Gardner, Mace Andrew, Mathew Joyce, Natu Leota, Quentin Teuila, Ronnic Starkey, Sam Martin, Sas Winikerei, Sheron Downs, Sione Haukinima, Siosaia Poese, Tayshaarn Tonga, Te Ara Tamepo-Habib, Tom Parker, Tomu Cook, Tyler Mearns, Will Pati
Originally published as 2024 Cyril Connell Cup season preview: Every club previewed ahead of U17s boys season
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